NIGERIA: Jonathan Did Not Confirm Withholding of $ 10bn from the Federation Account, Says Presidency

The Presidency on Tuesday denied reports in some media outfits quoting President Goodluck Jonathan as “confirming” in Amsterdam That the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) wrongly withheld $ 10 billion from the Federation Account.

It said the reports are completely false and a total distortion of the President’s comments during his meeting with the Nigerian community in the Netherlands. The denial was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity is, Dr. Reuben Abati.

According to the statement, “at no time during the well-attended reception did President Jonathan Also confirm any ‘Irregularities’ in the NNPC.

“Sensational reports in the media to That Effect are reckless, mischievous and unprofessional misrepresentations of the President’s restatement to the Nigerian community of the federal government’s position on the allegation That $ 20 billion is” missing “from the NNPC or the Federation Account, by reporters who were not at the event or events in Holland at all.

“President Jonathan’s verifiable words while responding to questions from members of the community on the allegation and other domestic issues were clear and unambiguous.

After asserting That allegation That various sums – $ 49.8 billion, $ 12 billion or $ 20 billion – were missing are Inconsistent and lacked credence, The President’s exact words were as follows:

“As at the time, the Finance Ministry was saying they had not been able to Reconcile only $ 10 billion. There are issues in the NNPC but we are on it.

“President Jonathan went on to say That to reassure Nigerians of his administration’s continued commitment to openness, transparency and probity in the aftermath of the unsubstantiated allegations, the federal government had an Authorised a professional forensic audit of NNPC accounts to clear the air.”

The presidency deplored what it Described as mischievous and unethical distortion of Jonathan’s comments in the media.

They urged the media to show regard for Greater Accuracy and truth when reporting on the presidents.

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